It’s a big, big world after all and child development experts say exposing kids to new things and cultures widens their horizons, increases their empathy for others, encourages creativity, and can improve those all important test scores. With busy schedules and bitsy budgets though, how can you realistically take one of those vacations that tops bucket lists like traveling abroad, visiting our nation’s capitol, and going to see Mickey and Minnie at Disney? We’ve assembled some first-hand experience to help our readers crack the code on family vacay success. Whether you’re going some time this year or this decade, here are top tips for tipping the scales in your favor.

We’ve tapped in to our friend—local celebrity and mom, Liz Massey—for her experience going to Disney World. Liz went in September 2013 during Labor Day week with her parents, her husband, Keith and their son, Cruz when he was just days away from turning three years old. Here’s what she says about their trip to the Magic Kingdom.

What worked best for Cruz’s age and personality?

I’m normally a huge planner but for this trip, I knew we weren’t going to be able to see it all. We decided this trip is for Cruz and whatever he wants to do, we’ll do. We also let ourselves sleep in. We didn’t get up super early, because I knew Cruz needed his energy.

We decided not to spend tons of money booking breakfasts and dinners with the characters because I wasn’t even sure if he’d warm up to them. Eventually he did, so we went to one character dinner. We actually didn’t need a reservation. We just walked right in. That was at the Garden Grill. We were lucky, because I heard people book months in advance. We also didn’t worry about seeing shows because Cruz’s attention span at his age is short.

What did Cruz enjoy the most?

He loved the Magic Kingdom and all the rides especially Goofy’s Barnstormer roller coaster. He rode it over and over and over. He also loved Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. We actually had to wait about an hour or so to get on that ride, but it was worth it. The entire family could ride. Peter Pan’s Flight was another ride the entire family enjoyed. Cruz also enjoyed Downtown Disney and the T-Rex Café where you can eat with the Dinosaurs.

If you have a water baby like me, you have to check out Blizzard Beach. Cruz loved it. They had a lot of water rides that Cruz could play on from water slides to a zip line that dropped kids into the water. Also, you can buy a sand pail full of ice cream with all the toppings—the entire family enjoyed that.

Liz’s Top Tips:

  • Try not to get overwhelmed like I did at first. Ask friends for advice who’ve been before. There are even Disney Planners that can help you with your entire trip. I also did my research online.
  • Also, we made sure Cruz was 36 inches tall before we booked our trip. At 36 inches tall, there was plenty for him to ride.
  • Before we left, I searched online for videos about Disney World and the characters and showed them to Cruz and told him that’s where we were going. He started to get really excited.
  • Either bring or rent a stroller. We didn’t want to lug one with us so we rented one there. It was quick and easy to do.
  • If it’s your child’s first visit or their birthday—Cruz was celebrating both—tell them at admissions and they’ll give you souvenir buttons.
  • You can bring food and drinks into the park, so I packed snacks for Cruz plus a change of clothes just in case.
  • I had no clue about Photo Pass until close to the end of our trip. If you don’t want to carry a camera, they can help capture your memories. Disney photographers around the park will take your picture for free (as many you want, wherever you want). They’ll give you a card and you can buy your pictures online later.
  • While preparing for our trip, I went to the Dollar Store and bought several glow sticks for Cruz to hold during the parades. I recommend getting to the parades early to snag a front row seat. After a long day you don’t want to have to stand and hold your child so they can see.
  • If you’re in the military, check with your base, because ours had park hoppers at a great discount.
  • Also, think about the time you’re going. We went during Labor Day week. For most of the rides we only waited 15 minutes or less. Also be sure to get a schedule of when all the parades and fireworks are.
  • And my biggest advice of all, just have fun—don’t stress—remember you’re not going to see it all, even if you have 5 days.